Tridax procumbens
Tridax procumbens · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (14 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Tridax procumbens is a versatile plant widely recognized for its diverse medicinal properties, including antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Research highlights that the leaf and flower parts contain essential bioactive chemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, amines, and glycosides. Various preparations, including crude extracts, aqueous and 70% ethanolic extracts of the leaves, and CQDs-3, have been studied for their therapeutic potential. These preparations have demonstrated significant effectiveness against pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Through these complex chemical interactions, the plant serves as a potent natural resource for combating oxidative stress and microbial infections.
- Synonyms
- Amellus Pedunculatus · Balbisia Canescens · 6 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Flower
Classification
Common Names
Tridax procumbens is a versatile plant recognized by a diverse array of regional nicknames across the globe. In various English-speaking areas, it is affectionately known by the common name Coat Buttons. Moving into different linguistic landscapes, the species is referred to as Clavelito or Casse-tout-seul. Its cultural reach is further evidenced by its identification as Erva de Touro in certain regions. Finally, the plant is also widely identified by the name Gletang, reflecting its widespread presence in local traditions.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Tridax procumbens is a plant species known by several different botanical names within scientific literature. It is formally recognized by the synonym Amellus pedunculatus, reflecting its complex taxonomic history. Furthermore, the species has been categorized under various Balbisia classifications, including Balbisia canescens and Balbisia divaricata. Other documented synonyms include Balbisia elongata and Balbisia pedunculata, which highlight the shifting nomenclature used by researchers. Understanding these diverse relationships is essential for accurate identification and study of the plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Tridax procumbens is a remarkable organism belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast botanical realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Asterales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. It reaches a more precise identification within the genus Tridax. Finally, it finds its place in the widely recognized family Asteraceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Tridax |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Tridax procumbens exhibits a widespread presence across the African continent and the Macaronesia region, including Cape Verde. Its distribution is particularly concentrated within Northeast Tropical Africa, spanning diverse territories. Specifically, the plant can be found growing in the landscapes of Chad and Eritrea. It also establishes itself within the borders of Ethiopia, showcasing its adaptability to various regional climates. Furthermore, its reach extends through the Sudan-South Sudan area, solidifying its status as a significant botanical presence in these parts of Africa.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Tridax procumbens is a distinctive herb characterized by its resilient and self-supporting growth form. This plant typically maintains a modest stature, reaching a maximum height of approximately 0.5 meters. Depending on its environment, its height can vary significantly, starting from a baseline near 0 meters. More specifically, many specimens are observed to establish a minimum height of around 0.25 meters. This compact size makes it a common and adaptable feature in various natural landscapes.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Tridax procumbens is a versatile medicinal plant recognized for its significant array of therapeutic activities. Research highlights its strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, showing efficacy against various pathogens including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. Additionally, the plant exhibits notable antioxidant potential, which is often linked to its rich content of polyphenols and flavonoids. Studies also demonstrate its anticancer capabilities, particularly through its cytotoxic effects on human lung and breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the plant has been identified as a candidate in antimalarial drug discovery, exhibiting measurable activity against Plasmodium falciparum.
Compounds
Tridax procumbens is an ethnomedicinally important plant characterized by a diverse array of bioactive phytochemicals. Scientific analyses have confirmed that the plant contains essential compounds such as flavonoids and tannins, which contribute to its significant antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, the presence of amines and dipeptides plays a crucial role in biological processes, including the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Detailed liquid chromatography mass spectrometry has also identified bixin as one of the abundant bioactive constituents within its extracts. Together, these chemical relationships underpin the plant's therapeutic potential in managing conditions ranging from bone loss to diabetic complications.
Conditions
Tridax procumbens demonstrates significant antibacterial properties by treating pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Research further confirms its ability to combat Bacillus subtilis through various extract applications. The plant also shows effectiveness against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, particularly when used in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Additionally, its secondary metabolites, specifically flavonoids, are recognized for their valuable anti-diabetic actions.
Preparations
Tridax procumbens is prepared as crude extracts to examine its anticlastogenic and antimicrobial properties. It is also prepared as extracts, such as n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, to facilitate the bioassay-guided isolation of active principles. Research further utilizes aqueous and 70% ethanolic extracts of the leaves to evaluate antioxidant status and phytochemical composition. Additionally, the plant is prepared as CQDs-3 (TridaxProcumbens) for applications in cancer cell imaging and phototherapy. Finally, leaf EAEs from this species are used to explore antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum.
Parts used
Tridax procumbens is a versatile medicinal plant that offers various biological benefits through its different morphological components. Research indicates that the leaf of this species contains significant phytochemicals, including alkaloids and polyphenols, which contribute to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate extract derived from its leaves has demonstrated promising antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Beyond the foliage, the flower of the plant also plays a vital role in its therapeutic potential, specifically showing antimicrobial effects against bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus. Together, these diverse plant parts highlight the importance of Tridax procumbens in the ongoing search for new bioactive compounds.